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The Center for Family Representation (CFR) has been defending the rights of families in New York City for nearly 25 years. Our team of attorneys, social workers, and parent advocates are here for you and our legal representation and services are always free. If you aren’t eligible for our services, we will connect you to other resources who may be able to help.

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Family Defense

We provide the highest quality legal and social work services to parents facing an Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) investigation or prosecution to help keep their family together.

Family Defense

We defend the rights of parents who are facing an ACS investigation or prosecution and may be at risk of having their children taken away from them.

CFR works with families…

  • In Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, or the Bronx
  • Who have been contacted by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS)
  • Who are being investigated or prosecuted for allegations of child neglect or abuse

Additional Resources

Rise

A parent-led organization creating safe spaces that empower and support parents impacted by the family policing system.

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JMac for Families

A nonprofit organization working to dismantle the family policing system and invest in community support for families.

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Black Families Love & Unite

Black Families Love & Unite (B.L.U.) reimagines and creates alternatives to the family policing system that empower and protect the integrity and sanctity of Black families and communities.

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Youth Defense

We represent minors who have been arrested and advocate to avoid prosecution or incarceration so they can stay at home with their families and get the support they need.

Youth Defense

We defend the rights of children who have been arrested and advocate for them in order to avoid prosecution or incarceration.

CFR works with children…

  • In the Bronx, Manhattan, or Queens
  • Who have been arrested or are wanted by the police or law enforcement
  • Who have been summoned to the Criminal Court Youth Part
  • Who have been summoned to meet with a Probation officer in Family Court

Additional Resources

The Gault Center

A nonprofit organization that provides training, policy, and strategic materials to to support a community of youth defenders and advocates who elevate the rights, interests, and perspectives of young people.

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Save Our Streets

Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) uses a model of violence interrupters with first-hand knowledge of street and gang life who use their credibility and relationships to mediate conflicts before they escalate.

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Release the Grip – Cure Violence

A violence reduction initiative and credible messenger program with BronxConnect where violence interrupters (incarceration survivors) are trained to intervene in conflict before gun violence happens.

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We also offer the following holistic services to support our family and youth defense clients across a variety of interconnected legal systems that affect their Family Court case.

Housing & Public Benefits

Housing & Public Benefits

We help our existing clients fight for safe, stable housing and access to sufficient nutritious food to strengthen their family stability.

CFR works with families…

  • Who are existing CFR family or youth defense clients
  • Who need help gaining or maintaining public benefits like SNAP or Medicaid
  • Who are experiencing homelessness, difficulty finding or keeping safe housing, or require repairs of heating, stoves, plumbing, or other basic necessities

Additional Resources

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Self-Service Portal

A self-service portal for NYC residents to apply for public benefits like Public Housing, Section 8, Employment Assistance, and other programs.

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HELP USA

Provides shelter to meet people’s immediate needs, as well as support to succeed as individuals, as families, and as communities.

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NYC Housing Connect

Helps people find and apply for affordable housing in New York City’s five boroughs.

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Immigration Defense

Immigration Defense

We help our existing clients apply for legal status, access services, and defend them if they are at risk of deportation so their families can stay together.

CFR works with families…

  • Who are existing CFR family or youth defense clients
  • Who are immigrants at risk of deportation
  • Who are applying for affirmative immigration benefits or status

Additional Resources

ReadyNow! Mobile App

A free and secure mobile app designed by Human Rights First’s Innovation Lab to help immigrants prepare for possible detention and act quickly in moments of crisis.

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Automated Case Information System

Check the status of your immigration case before an Immigration Judge.

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Know Your Rights with ICE

Information is available in 16 languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, and Arabic.

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Criminal Defense

Criminal Defense

We help defend our existing clients who are facing a concurrent criminal case alongside their family court case so that families can be reunified sooner.

CFR works with families…

  • Who are existing CFR family and early defense clients
  • Who are facing a concurrent criminal case, which may or may not be based on the same allegation that initiated your ACS investigation or brought you to Family Court

Additional Resources

Courthouse Directory

A directory of courthouses in each county, including contact information and public transportation directions.

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How to Pay Bail in New York City

Official instructions on how to pay bail in New York City.

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Reentry Resource Center

A support network and information clearinghouse on prison, reentry, and the consequences of criminal proceedings.

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Appeals

Appeals

When appropriate, we represent our existing clients on appeals to court decisions that we believe are mistakes or which violate our clients’ rights.

CFR works with families…

  • Who are existing CFR family or youth defense clients
  • Who want to exercise their right to challenge a court decision through an appeal
  • Who believe their case was impacted by racial bias or unfair court procedures

State Central Register Appeals

State Central Register Appeals

We help any parent or caretaker who wants to amend or seal their record in the SCR, even if they aren’t an existing CFR family defense client.

CFR works with parents…

  • In the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island
  • Who have an indicated report or investigation in the State Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR)
  • Who want to amend or seal your record in the SCR

Additional Resources

Office of Children and Family Services Portal

A portal to request your records and your rights through the New York State Freedom of Information Law.

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Clearing Your Name by Lansner & Kubitschek

A step-by-step guide through the New York State Central Register of Child Abuse & Maltreatment and how to clear your name from SCR records, when possible.

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New York County Lawyers Association

For those who live anywhere in New York City, a non-profit legal service provider who may be able to represent you in a Fair Hearing depending on your income. Phone: (212) 626-1525.

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Client Stories

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A CFR client family with their CFR team

Genesis' Story

I want to express my gratitude to the organization for believing in me, for their effort, for their support, for fighting for my rights, and for allowing me to be with my family, united and well. Watch Genesis' Story
CFR client and family with their team

Juan's Story

I didn't have the resources for someone to defend me, they wouldn't let me see my wife or children, I had no idea what I was going to face... I would like to thank the CFR team for welcoming me and guiding me through this process. Watch Juan's Story

Partners and Additional Resources

We work with partners across New York City to defend and support families. If CFR is not able to represent you or provide services to your family, we will refer you to other partners and resources that may be able to help.

Common Terms We Use

Learn more about the common terms we use at CFR and why we choose to use certain language like the family policing system instead of the child welfare system in order to accurately reflect the reality that thousands of Black and Brown families experience every day.

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